THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, all. Thank you. Now I understand --
now I understand why a Hechinger warehouse -- (laughter and
applause) -- can become a center of love and compassion and fire.
(Applause.) I am honored, Laura and I are honored that you would
invite us and our friends, the Governor and the First Lady and the
Lieutenant Governor and his lovely wife, to come and celebrate a great
American.

We're honored to be in the midst of a social entrepreneur --
(applause) -- whose guidebook for entrepreneurship to help others is
the Bible. (Applause.) I want to thank the members of the church, the
leaders of the church and those who are in charge of the ministries of
the church for sharing with us the good works of this church.

It is fitting that we honor Martin Luther King in a church.
Because, Gregory, I believe, like you, that the power of his words, the
clarity of his vision, the courage of his leadership occurred because
he put his faith in the Almighty. (Applause.)

It is fitting that we honor the life of a great American in a
church who derived his inspiration from the church. It is fitting that
we honor this great American in a church because, out of the church
comes the notion of equality and justice. (Applause.) And even
though progress has been made, Pastor -- even though progress has
been made, there is more to do. There are still people in our society
who hurt. There is still prejudice holding people back. There is
still a school system that doesn't elevate every child so they can
learn. (Applause.) There is still a need for us to hear the words of
Martin Luther King, to make sure the hope of America extends its reach
into every neighborhood across this land.

So it's fitting we're here in a church that has got ministries
aimed at healing those who hurt, and fighting addiction and promoting
love and families. It is fitting we meet here in a church because in
this society, we must understand government can help, government can
write checks -- but it cannot put hope in people's hearts or a sense
of purpose in people's lives. (Applause.)

And so as we remember the dream of Martin Luther King and remember
his clear vision for a society that's equal and a society full of
justice, this society must remember the power of faith. This
government of yours must welcome faith, not discriminate faith, as we
deal with the future of this great country. (Applause.)

And so, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for having Laura and me.
Thank you for allowing us to worship with you. Thank you for opening
up our hearts to the glorious word. May God bless you all. May God
bless the legacy of Martin Luther King. And may God bless all
Americans on this special day. Thank you, Pastor. (Applause.)